Help!

My laptop, a Balance brand, has an internal wireless card. From time to time, when I turn it on, the orange wireless light does not light up and I cannot connect to the internet. When I manually open the wireless options, I GET a message that says something like "Wireless net card not detected, is it inserted?" I figured out, after time, that it seems to do this mainly when a USB device is plugged in, like a printer, external DVD drive, or other. It also does it from time to time with no apparent cause.

I took it to Fry's to have them look at it, and since the wireless card was working fine at the moment, they looked at me as though I was crazy and said it was not possible for the card to only work sometimes.

I figured it could be loose or something, but it's weird that the USB thing would have anything to do with it. I wanted to open it up and make sure it's securely in place, but I don't know where it is located and the manual does not show where it is located (sorry, I'm not very literate when it comes to computer hardware -- which is why I'm here). I don't want to randomly open stuff up if I don't know what I'm doing.

Any ideas as to what is causing this? I can't connect to the internet as long as I am using anything else, making printing anything impossible.

I would really appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. THANKS! An internal wireless card is likely built directly on the motherboad. I suggest using an externally powered USB hub to connect your USB devices.i never would have considered that to be an issue of lack of electrical power in the lappy... but, off brands arnt predictable, or relyable

EDIT: the fact that the computer specialist didnt think of it either makes me question whether or not they should be repairing lappies...The draw on a USB port normally tops out at 500ma. If more current is required, something is not going to work. whoa, i didnt know it was that much... 5v at 500ma is more than enough to run a portable CD player... no wonder the light wasnt even workinAnd opening up a laptop is NOT a good idea if you don't know what you're doing. Ever. Quote

And opening up a laptop is NOT a good idea if you don't know what you're doing. Ever.